as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quintessential
The app has become a quintessential cog in the dating machine—especially in those liminal stages, the flirtations and the breakups.
—
Annie Joy Williams,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Long seen as one of the quintessential New Wave filmmakers, he has become taken for granted a little of late.
—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Steve is the quintessential New York bartender.
—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Annie Joy Williams,
The Atlantic,
28 June 2026
Long seen as one of the quintessential New Wave filmmakers, he has become taken for granted a little of late.
—
Mark Olsen,
Los Angeles Times,
26 June 2026
Steve is the quintessential New York bartender.
—
Brad Japhe,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Thirteen stamps were chosen that honor quintessential American images.
—
ABC News,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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Below are nine recipes featured in the special, offering everything from classic barbecue favorites to regional dishes inspired by communities across the country.
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Here, instead of the mustard that’s included in many classic potato salad recipes, sour cream, vinegar, and briny pickles team up to lend a lovely amount of tartness to cut through the richness of the potatoes, eggs, and mayo.
Adjective
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Supporters cite her exemplary conduct and family separation, while critics emphasize strict penalties for white-collar crime.
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The state specifies that exemplary damages are capped at the greater of either $200,000 or two times the amount of economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages, not to exceed $750,000.
Adjective
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Mexico enters a must-win World Cup knockout against Ecuador at Azteca after a perfect group stage, three clean sheets and record-shattering crowds.
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Diop found separation behind all-world defender Virgil van Dijk and headed Chemsdine Talbi's perfect cross into the goal.
Adjective
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Lestat remembers himself like a bit of an archetypal fairytale babe in the woods in the recounting of his human life.
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Just over two miles south of the historic village of Tintagel, Trebarwith is a wild, archetypal north‑coast beach—a mile‑long sweep of golden sand and rocky outcrops visible only at low tide.
Adjective
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There are no definitive statistics about how many students are affected by state bans.
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In 1868, at the age of 29, John Muir arrived in San Francisco via steamship with definitive plans to wander and revel in the natural wonders of California—he’d heard of the Golden State’s geographic riches and wanted to see them for himself.
Adjective
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And with such excellent transit, there can be much greater housing density.
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His group stage has been consistently excellent without announcing itself — the kind of contribution that shows up in the table rather than the highlights.
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
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